Getting a Position in arts administration

As an Administrative Assistant in art galleries for 4 years, the experience I have gained is enormous (at a gallery level). With a BFA in Fine Arts, and the work experience, getting considered for any administrative position within a museum or arts organization has been close to impossible! I live in Phoenix, AZ, and I am able to relocate anywhere, with the desire for a bigger, more ecclectic city (LA, San Francisco, Seattle, NYC, DC), yet I am getting nowhere as far as responses to resumes I have sent out.

Anyone have contacts in these settings that I could contact, or have suggestions for improving my chances in getting involved in such a work environment?

Another issue: salaries. As an administraitve assistant (in art galleries), the salary history is beans compared to the salaries posted for museum jobs (especially), and I feel I am deserving of them, although when asked of my salary history, they feel I should get what I've been getting, instead of what is being offered. Seems unfair...so what is a girl to do?

Any suggestions, comments or information would be greatly appreciated!

Nancy Scheer

Deb Fuller

This is a subject that surfaces on museum-l every year, at about this time. You might want to search the archives for some of the responses. (You will probably find hundreds

Louise,

I did receive you response, believe it or not, and I took your advice and thought about it over the weekend. Such a program (certificate) sounds very interesting, but not something I can afford to get into presently.

I really appreciate you thoughts and ideas a lot. Hope we can continue to communicate. You've been quite a help to me in my decision making!

Nancy Scheer